Trump says he wants to 'honour' and 'celebrate' women – Here's all the times they've accused him of sexual misconduct

The White House has shared a message for International Women's Day

President Donald Trump speaks to the media before departing from the White House on 8 March, 2019 in Washington, DC. ((Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images))

Donald Trump shared a “presidential message” marking International Women’s Day on Friday, saying his administration wants to “honour” and “celebrate” them – despite the president himself being accused of sexual misconduct by more than 20 women.

“On International Women’s Day, we honour women worldwide for their vital role in shaping and strengthening our communities, families, governments, and businesses,” the message begins. “We celebrate their vision, leadership, and courage, and we reaffirm our commitment to promoting equal opportunity for women everywhere.”

It then mentions the “remarkable women trailblazers in the United States and around the world”, before transitioning to list various initiatives of the Trump administration.

“As my administration continues to support women around the globe, it is also fighting for women in the United States,” the statement claims.

Mr Trump specifically cites statistics pointing to a decrease in women’s unemployment, crediting his administration. While experts have previously acknowledged that more women are currently employed now than in the past, they have said that it is likely more the result of a long-term effect and part of a longer trend that has seen women’s employment increase over decades.

“As we recognise International Women’s Day, we acknowledge that when women are economically empowered they are able to invest more in their families and communities, producing a multiplier effect that spurs economic growth and contributes to global stability,” the presidential message continues.

“We remain vigilant in our pursuit of equality and opportunity so that all women may blaze new trails, pursue their dreams, and reach their full potential.”

The statement comes less than a month after former 2016 campaign staffer Alva Johnson told The Washington Post Mr Trump once kissed her without her consent during a campaign stop in Florida.

That was the latest of a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have been made against Mr Trump, which span two decades. The White House denied Johnson’s allegations to The Washington Post, and Mr Trump has previously denied other accusations of misconduct against him. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has previously called Mr Trump’s accusers liars during a press briefing.

During the 2016 campaign, the president was famously heard on an Access Hollywood tape claiming fame allowed him to “grab women by the p****”. Former Miss Universe Alicia Machado has accused Mr Trump of body-shaming her after her 1996 victory, and of referring to her as “Miss Piggy” and “Miss Housekeeping”.

Mr Trump’s first wife Ivana Trump once used the word “rape” in reference to an incident between herself and her ex-husband, in a 1993 book. She later said she didn’t meant it in a “criminal” or “literal” way.

Other women have accused the president of grabbing their breasts, groping them, kissing them forcibly, putting or trying to put his hand up their skirts, and of walking into a beauty pageant dressing room while contestants were naked.